The final goal a nursing student must achieve after school is to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). Without passing, a student cannot practice nursing. Prepping for that exam and knowing what to expect is a big piece of the last few months; and it is what Amie Borg, Assistant Program Director for SJVC, Visalia campus, enjoys helping students with the most. In April 2024, the NCLEX released an updated version of the test to include a clinical judgment component. However, SJVC still holds the 2024 record for pass rates of their students at 100%. Thanks to the efforts of teachers like Amie Borg, an SJVC student is well prepared for the challenge. Their challenge is her joy.
This is her story.
Tell me about yourself.
I was born and raised in Southern California. I joined the Navy when I was 19 and became a Hospital Corpsman, where I worked to provide medical care and support.
So, you didn’t graduate from SJVC?
No, but I learned about it when I moved to Visalia, while I was working at a local hospital. I had realized a few years before that I wanted to teach, and was pursuing my Masters in Nursing Education. I finished my Masters in Visalia and started looking for a teaching job. I applied to SJVC and was hired as faculty in 2019.
Why do you think you were honored with the DAISY Award?
I’ve always cared for other people and I’ve found joy in it. I think that’s what the DAISY Award really stands for. When I was nursing, I knew it required doing things that aren’t pleasant sometimes, but I found that didn’t bother me. People need people. I think that extends to the role of educators as well. We care about the student and their success. We simply have the satisfaction in knowing at graduation we have helped foster their growth and ability to achieve something in their life. A little piece of me goes with them.
How has transitioning from nursing to teaching been?
I care about a student’s success in life. I’ve handled coordinating for the students’ clinical time, that is, helping figure out what students go where. I teach a course which covers ethics, legal aspects, rules and regulations from the Board of Nursing. It prepares them for licensure. You know there is a national shortage of nurses right now. The Central Valley of California is currently an underserved area. We are doing our best to supply the nurses they need.
Also, the NCLEX was updated last year. It is a computer-based exam that adapts to the test taker’s ability level and has been this way for more than 20 years. The updates last year include a clinical judgment component which requires the test taker to gather information, apply knowledge, and use clinical reasoning to determine a course of action. Passing this exam takes preparation! Prep for licensure is a huge piece of what I enjoy the most.
Do you have any advice to students going through SJVC’s Registered Nursing program now, any words of wisdom?
One of the things I tell them is to find a mentor that you can look up to who will give you the guidance you need to be successful. A lot of these students are first generation college students. Sometimes the faculty are the only inspiration they have. Teachers will help find the best in them and push them harder to succeed. It’s important to have a good role model.
Did you have your own mentor?
Yes! Early in my career, I had a spitfire 5-foot-tall woman from Brooklyn who was my mentor. She taught me how to handle stressful situations with the coolest calm I’d ever seen. My parents didn’t graduate from college, and now I’m getting my doctorate.
And recognition with the DAISY Award! Did you celebrate getting the award?
Not really. It’s nice to be recognized but the success of the students truly is my reward…I did just celebrate my 50th birthday!
Happy Birthday! Did you celebrate that with your family?
Yes. My husband is very proud of my success. He pushed me to be my best. He’s a dear, sweet man and I adore him. We have four children; my oldest son from my first marriage is 29, and from my second marriage I have two sons aged 9 and 8, and a 4-year-old daughter.
